Calling all skippers interested in IRC racing next season, whether it be our Commodore’s Cup series or one of our longer distance offshore races!
If your boat has had an IRC certificate in the past and you have not made any subsequent changes to the hull or sail plan then the 2026/27 IRC revalidation form is attached. It can be completed and submitted to administration@doscuae.com anytime from now.
If you would like to have either your boat weighed or sails measured for IRC, please contact the admin team on administration@doscuae.com to book a slot.
If you are new to the process please go through the FAQ below or contact Ard, our Racing Manager racingmanager@doscuae.com)
IRC – FAQ
Q – What sort of boats can be measured for IRC? Is it just for racing boats?
A – The IRC measuring system is designed to allow all types of keelboats to compete at an equal level, be they modern racers or century-old gaff-rig vintage working boats. It tends to favour boats that are more equipped for cruising rather than the stripped-out racing designs.
Q – Why would I want to get an IRC Certificate, I’m quite happy racing in Club class
A – It’s up to you, but if you do get an IRC Certificate then it does allow you to choose to race in a certain series in IRC.
One of the main differences this year with our Commodore’s Cup series is that Club Class will be white sails only, so if you were previously racing in Club Class and wish to fly a spinnaker, you will need to get an IRC certificate. You will then have the option of joining your respective division (IRC 1,2,3) which will have a bias towards inshore racing. Or IRC Cruiser which will favour coastal courses.
Q – Do I need to have my boat measured to race in IRC?
A – No, there are stock builder’s measurements available for the hull and sails on most production boats, so if you want then we can use these. Please contact us if you want us to see if we have this data available for your boat.
Q – What measurements are taken?
A – As many or as little as you want really. A full measurement would involve weighing the boat and measuring certain parts of the hull as well as measuring all sails. This is a fairly involved process as it means emptying the boat of everything before the hull weighing and measuring then bringing the sails up to the clubhouse so that they can be measured.
Many people will opt to use the stock hull measurements but may want to measure one or more of their sails. We don’t need to measure all your sails if you already have the data from your sailmaker but, from the sails that you will use for racing, you need to declare your largest spinnaker, your largest headsail both by sail area and by luff length (note these might be different sails) and your largest mainsail. If you are not sure which is largest then bring them up and we’ll work it out.
Q – What does it cost?
A – Other than the cost of the IRC Certificate, everything else is free. DOSC will cover the cost of the crane for weighing your boat and provide the team of measurers. With most racing at DOSC being offered free of charge to members, we hope you agree the small fee for an IRC certificate is worth it for a whole season of racing.
Expired Flare Disposal
As part of the IRC Measurement Weekend, we’re pleased to offer members a convenient opportunity to safely and responsibly dispose of expired flares at the Club at an indicative cost of AED 5 per flare, subject to final confirmation..
If you have any old or expired flares that need disposing of, please click here to register your interest. Further details, including the designated drop-off time and place, will be shared once confirmed.
